This information was produced by the staff of the Belin-Blank International Center for Gifted Education and Talent Development (B-BC) at the University of Iowa (belinblank.org). The resources and information listed here are for informational purposes; there is no direct or implied endorsement by the B-BC. Services provided by the B-BC include programs for academically talented K-12 and college students, professional development for teachers, the Assessment and Counseling Clinic, the Acceleration Institute (accelerationinstitute.org), and graduate programs and research in gifted education.

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State Policies in Washington  

Washington does have a state acceleration policy. 

Grade-based Acceleration

Early entrance to kindergarten

State policy leaves LEA to determine.

State kindergarten entry age is 5 years by September 1, but RCW 28A.225.160 states that "districts may establish uniform entry qualifications, including but not limited to birth date requirements, for admission to kindergarten and first grade programs of the common schools. Such rules may provide for exceptions based upon the ability, or the need, or both, of an individual student."

Early entrance to 1st gradeRCW 28A.225.160 allows LEA to "establish uniform entry qualifications, including but not limited to birth date requirements, for admission to kindergarten and first grade programs of the common schools. Such rules may provide for exceptions based upon the ability, or the need, or both, of an individual student."
Whole-grade accelerationWhile gifted programming is not mandated, local districts that provide gifted education services are required to utilize a continuum of services, that may include accelerative options (See RCW 28A.185.030 for identification information, and WAC 392-170-078 & WAC 392-170-080 for program information). 
Early high school graduationThe state minimum for graduation is nineteen credits, but many local school districts require more. See the Graduation Requirements page for more information.
State Gifted School The Halbert and Nancy Robinson Center for Young Scholars

Camas Math, Science & Technology Magnet

Early entrance to collegeEarly entrance options are available for students in seventh grade, eighth grade, and tenth grade at the Halbert and Nancy Robinson Center for Young Scholars at the University of Washington.

Content-based Acceleration

Dual or concurrent enrollment in community college, college, or universityNo state policy; up to LEA to determine whether dual enrollment in high school and college is permitted. Some information on Dual Credit is available here.
Middle school students permitted dual or concurrent enrollment in high school

State policy specifically permits middle and high school dual enrollment, and allows districts to award high school credit for courses taken during middle school..
Advanced Placement®State policy permits.  Some information on Advanced Placement can be found on this page. 
Talent Search

There is no in-state Talent Search for Washington, but gifted students in WA can participate in regional and national talent searches, including those offered by the University of Iowa Belin-Blank Center and the Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth.

Credit by examination/proficiency-based promotion

No state policy; up to LEA to determine whether and to what extent proficiency-based promotion is permitted.
Other forms of content-based acceleration

Typically left to LEAs to determine. If you know of state-level code, please e-mail us.

Additional Information

Washington Department of Education Gifted Website
Washington Department of Education
Washington Association of Education of the Talented & Gifted

The information presented on this page was compiled from a variety of resources, including the State of the States in Gifted Education 2020-2021 (a report by the Council of State Directors of Programs for the Gifted and the National Association for Gifted Children), Websites, professional literature, and personal communication. The Acceleration Institute has not verified the accuracy of this information and does not warrant its accuracy or fitness of use for any purpose. Users should verify information prior to taking any action. Furthermore, the appearance of selected programs and/or resources does not imply an endorsement or affiliation. Programs and resources are highlighted for informational purposes only.